In short: tough on theb legsIn full: This is a tough course which is unevan under foot. The course is dotted with marshals but other then that there is no one to cheer you on. Ths is the wielerness. The race is well organised and groups are set off at 15 min gaps depending on your peceived finishing time. Food (burgers, hotdogs)are avaiable on site as well as entertainment for your family, should you bring any. The goodie bag is good and you get a good medal. t-shirt is provided before the race for those that ordered. I ran on a dry day but heaven fordid 2014+ runners it rains on you as i could imagine it could turn quite stickyDate of review: July 31, 2013

In short: Intro to trail but better ones out thereIn full: Smart organisation partly justifying the exhorbitant entry fee. Wave start meant very little congestion. The route itself was a bit tame. With 3km in I was wondering where the 'Trail' piece came in. Overall enjoyed the day but would not want to run it again.Date of review: June 13, 2013

In short: So much untapped potentialIn full: I hate to be petty, but there are a few things that would make this so much better. We arrived at Bedgebury expecting to have to queue to get in to the event car park, so were thrilled when this wasn't the case - great organisation here. Unfortunately not everything was so great - registration was painless, but I was bitterly disappointed to be given only a large t-shirt - that was the biggest available. I wasn't late registering, so felt cheated that the t-shirt that "justified" the high entry fee barely fits. Next disappointment was that there were no ties for the timing chip - every other chipped race I've done supplies ties to affix the chip to your laces, but not the most expensive one! Disappointments over - for now. Ran the race, which was fine - slightly less "traily" than I expected, but pretty scenery and well marshalled and a great route expect for the last km. I expected it to be uphill, but didn't expect to run what felt like a "bit tagged on to make up distance". Surely with 320 acres to choose from there was plenty of scope for routes without this? Having said all that, it was a good event and a great day out with family. Would I do it again? I don't know - probably, but mainly for the day out rather than the race... Sorry, don't wish to be negative, but it left me feeling disappointed, as I have tried to explain!Date of review: June 13, 2013

In short: NOT PERFECT BUT A GREAT DAYIn full: This is my second Trailblazer having done forest of dean in 2012 when it was blistering hot. The day is very well delivered with a relaxed atmosphere thats very inclusive and great for spectators as well. It makes the day into an event, not just a run. Beautiful location especially on a nice sunny day. One thing to bear in mind - the wave start gives space out on the run, but also gives later waves easy access to the toilets! The course was superb with only the steep climb between 9 and 9.5k being what you'd call "extreme". The final half km through the trees wasn't ideal as it was short of space, but hey - thats trail running. If you want more space then run in the first wave and be able to run in c.40minutes - otherwise take a chill pill and just enjoy the atmosphere. My text time came through at 3pm and was correct. Note to Rat Race - can next year's tech shirts not be black please?Date of review: June 10, 2013

In short: A fun run, not a raceIn full: Great organisation and a good day out for the family. However, the whole race and any potential for a decent time ruined by the ridiculous layout of the final km in an attempt to stretch the course to 10k and include gimmicky scenes. Back and forth in taped lanes, twisting and turning, a pointless run down a tight avenue of trees, and no room to pass the slower runners in the prior wave. A real shame. Surely with the sheer length of the forest trails this is unnecessary? Better course design would improve this 100% and make it a great course. Not for the serious runner.Date of review: June 10, 2013

In short: Great Race but ...In full: ... very well organinsed race and super location but very disappointed there was a problem with the timing. It seems that the race at Forest of Dean suffered a similar problem. Time sent out yesterday did not get close to my watch time. Initially throught it may have been gun time but 2 other friends made a similar comment. Date of review: June 9, 2013